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The first time Ken and Shirley Reed took notice of midcentury style homes they were in Palo Alto, California, where homes designed by developer Joseph Eichler dotted the landscape.

Built between the 1950s and 1970s, the homes featured open floor plans and tall windows designed to bring the outside in — perfect for the sunny California climate. Ken Reed was attending Stanford University at the time, and the couple would often admire the modernist homes in their adopted community.

It wasn't until the Reeds moved back to their home town of Rochester that they would live in their own midcentury style home in Brighton. Designed by Don Hershey, the 3,000-square-foot home evokes the modernist style popular during the '50s and '60s.

As much as they have enjoyed living in their ranch-style home, it is now time for the Reeds to downsize. Located at 274 Thackery Road, the home is listed for $374,900 with Leigh Williams and Priscilla Mooney of ReMax Realty Group.

Thanks to shows such as Mad Men and other cultural touchstones from that era, midcentury modern is back in vogue. From home design to furnishings, the sleek minimalist look is in.

Few true midcentury modernist homes exist in the Rochester area but they are enjoying renewed popularity, Williams says. He noted that there are currently only a handful of these homes on the market right now with the average list price in the $350,000 to $595,000 range.

Don Hershey was one of the most prolific midcentury architects in Rochester, designing more than 500 homes over a period of 50 years. They varied in size from modest to large.

Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles and Ray Eames are other architects known for midcentury modern style. It is characterized by open interior spaces, flat or slightly sloped roofs and the use of natural materials such as stone and brick.

"Rochester is really a pretty traditional city," Williams says, adding that the city does not have any midcentury modern neighborhoods. There are pockets of these homes outside the city, such as the Council Rock neighborhood in Brighton.

The Reeds' home is built in a T-shape and features an inground pool on 0.64 acres. They have invested in many updates over the years, including artistic woodwork by Scott Grove that complements the décor. Ken Reed estimates that the family has spent over $100,000 in upgrades.

There are arts enthusiasts who specifically seek out Hershey homes, Williams says. "There are not many that come on the market," she says.